Good Neighbor Podcast: Bergen

Meet Martha Ramirez, the tenacious entrepreneur behind Bright Diamond Shine Cleaning Service who transformed unfair working conditions into motivation to build her own thriving business. When her daughter was born in 2014, Martha made the bold decision to leave her cleaning job where wages were unjustly low and venture out on her own. What began as a solo operation gradually expanded through word-...

When a college football injury led to an opioid prescription that spiraled into addiction, Brian Cellary never imagined it would eventually lead him to founding Valley Spring Recovery Center. After finding sobriety over 14 years ago, he identified a critical gap in substance use and mental health treatment in Northern New Jersey. The Good Neighbor Podcast sits down with Sellery to explore how Vall...

The moment arrives without warning – a parent falls, becomes ill, or simply can't manage independently anymore. Suddenly you're thrown into navigating a fragmented healthcare system, complicated insurance policies, and life-altering decisions without preparation. This challenging scenario is where Heidy Delaosa of Healthcare Solutions steps in, offering a lifeline to families caught in t...

Imagine transforming your home into a space you genuinely love without breaking the bank. That possibility comes to life in our conversation with Lara Larko, founder of Lara Larko Designs, who's revolutionizing interior design through her affordable, transparent approach. When most people consider hiring an interior designer, they immediately assume it's a luxury they can't afford....

Unlocking the complex world of senior living just got easier in this episode featuring Connie Deveaux, an expert from Assisted Living Advisers. With 16 years of experience helping families navigate the challenges of finding appropriate care options for their loved ones, Connie brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to the table. The growing senior population in areas like Bergen County has heigh...

Dive into the world of home maintenance with Linda Pollock from North Jersey Home Maintenance Group, a leader in providing stress-free home solutions. As homeowners face endless upkeep tasks, Linda’s insights offer peace of mind through her unique approach to service that combines efficiency with understanding. With over 35 years of experience in field, she shares how her commitment to preventativ...

Discover the magic of summer at Woodmont Family Day Camp! We unpack the extraordinary philosophy that sets this camp apart—an environment where kindness, confidence, and respect blossom in youth. With a legacy dating back over 80 years, Woodmont stands out for its immersive experience, rich history, and dedicated staff who foster an enriching environment for children aged 3 to 15.  Join the conver...

Dive into a captivating exploration of the journey from advertising to real estate success with Roger Tashjian of the Bergen Realty Team. As we unravel Roger's unique path, he shares how he transitioned from a flourishing career in advertising during the COVID-19 pandemic to become a prominent realtor in Bergen County. His rich experience in marketing has not only shaped his success but also...

Step into the transformative world of moving with Justin Rokach, the visionary behind Optimum Moving. In this episode, we explore how Justin transitioned from a troubled teenager to a successful entrepreneur, defying family expectations and prevalent industry norms. Delving deeply into his early experiences, he highlights the misconceptions and deceit that often plague the moving industry. When mo...

Have you ever thought about the hidden toxins lurking in your home? As modern consumers, we often overlook the harmful ingredients found in everyday products. In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into the world of non-toxic living with Caitlin Fierro, a passionate functional nutritionist and the owner of Non-Toxic Homes. Caitlin shares her personal journey battling autoimmune conditions and...

Step into the world of real estate with Adam DeFino, third-generation owner of DeFino Realtors, as he shares insights into his family's legacy in the industry. We explore the evolution of Wyckoff and its transformation into a thriving suburban community, grounded in a foundation of trust and customer care. Adam discusses the emotional journey of clients navigating the buying and selling proce...

Dive into the fascinating world of animal control with Anthony Baglino, the mastermind behind Dapper Trapper. Transitioning from a successful career as a pharmacist, Anthony shares his journey of how a love for animals transformed into a thriving wildlife control business in Bergen County. With fascinating insights into the natural behaviors of groundhogs, foxes, and raccoons, he discusses the sea...

Are you ready to explore a transformative approach to pediatric therapy? Join us as we engage with Debbie Horowitz and Faigy Szanzer, the co-founders of Village Therapy Place in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Their inspiring journey begins with a vision—a vision to create a nurturing environment where children can receive personalized therapy that feels less like work and more like play. In this episode, we...

Ready to elevate your home's atmosphere? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of flooring with Matthew Bader from G Fried Flooring and Design. Discover how the choices you make for your floors can transform not only the aesthetics of your home but also the overall vibe and emotional comfort for you and your family. Matthew shares his decades of experience in the flooring industry, hig...

Transforming outdoor spaces requires not just skill, but an artist's touch and a technician's knowledge. In our latest episode, join landscape designer Joe Antine as he unpacks the intricacies of his 52-year journey in the landscaping industry. From his humble beginnings in lawn maintenance to crafting exquisite gardens with functional aesthetics, Joe shares valuable insights on the art...

Ever wondered about the real impact of dementia and Alzheimer's on families and caregivers alike? Join us as we uncover the essentials with Vivian Green Korner, a passionate dementia care specialist from Creskill, New Jersey. Vivian sheds light on the rising prevalence of dementia, distinguishing it from Alzheimer's, and explains its profound effects on brain function and overall health,...

Join us as we welcome Paul Haberman from the Mueller Haberman Law Group, who takes us on a tour through the fascinating worlds of business litigation, sports and entertainment law, and health law. Paul shares compelling stories from his work with high-profile athletes, managing everything from contract negotiations to regulatory challenges. With his firm deeply rooted in the Northern New Jersey co...

Discover the inspiring journey of Thomas Flint, a visionary in the landscape design industry, who transformed his passion into a thriving business. From the roots of a small farm town to the bustling world of high-scale landscape construction in northern New Jersey, Thomas shares his evolution from uncertainty to expertise. He opens up about the trials and triumphs of transitioning from an employe...

Could a simple practice like Pilates truly transform your life? Meet Dana Tysher Reisman, a former fashion student turned Pilates powerhouse, who found solace and strength in the practice while battling fibromyalgia. Dana's story is one of resilience and reinvention, leading her from the bustling streets of New York City to the serene town of Wyckoff, New Jersey, where she established Pilates...

Ever wondered how the demanding world of firefighting can lead to a flourishing career in physical therapy? Join us as we chat with Frank Ruggiero, a former fireman turned doctor of physical therapy in New York City. Frank's incredible journey from the firehouse to owning Integrated Physical Therapy, just a stone's throw from Grand Central Station, offers a unique perspective on how the...

Ever wondered how a humble home-based tutoring service could evolve into a thriving educational hub with a near-40-year legacy? Join us for an insightful episode featuring Carolyn Goodman, the visionary behind Expert Tutoring and College Counseling in Wyckoff. Carolyn shares her inspiring journey from balancing motherhood with her burgeoning tutoring business to establishing a respected educationa...

Discover the vibrant fusion of Caribbean and American culinary traditions with John Morris, the mastermind behind Joy's Island Spice, as he joins us to share his passion for Caribbean flavors inspired by his late mother, Joy. Listen as John unfolds his mission to elevate Caribbean cuisine to fine dining, transforming traditional jerk into a gourmet experience much like Italian cuisine's...

Ever wondered how an engineer becomes a soapstone savant? Join us as we welcome Jay Tauber from the Garden State Soapstone Company, who shares his intriguing journey from building engineering to mastering the art of soapstone, slate, and wood countertops. Listen to Jay as he reveals the secrets behind the timeless appeal of soapstone, a natural, non-porous stone that's heat-resistant and effo...

Join us as Peter Sullivan, the visionary behind PJ Sullivan Exteriors, shares his remarkable journey from a young apprentice in Northern Bergen County to a master of exterior home transformations. Under the mentorship of a master carpenter, Peter carved a path that led him to redefine his business, focusing on the art of external renovations. Explore how his company has become a beacon of quality...

Join us for a crucial conversation with Evan Fein, the insightful owner of the Senior Reserve Group, as we promise to unravel the intimidating complexities of Medicare. Prepare to arm yourself with the essential knowledge to navigate Medicare's critical enrollment timelines and avoid severe penalties. Evan guides us through the maze of Medicare choices, differentiating between traditional Med...